NerdsToGo Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$84,057 - $129,858
Franchise Fee
$24,875
Total US Locations
31
Business Summary
NerdsToGo operates as a managed IT service provider and technology sales, repair, and service business primarily for small-to-medium sized businesses. NerdsToGo franchisees offer comprehensive on-site, remote, and in-office IT support, including remote monitoring and management, security installations, virus removal, cloud services, data backup, network setup, help desk support, IT consulting, troubleshooting, and data recovery. Services are often provided by mobile technicians in branded vehicles at the customer's business, with locations also serving walk-in customers.
Corporate History
GTN Capital Group LLC, also known as NerdsToGo, was formed in Connecticut on November 4, 2015. The company began offering NerdsToGo franchises in 2017. A predecessor, Nerds To Go Franchise Corporation, had previously franchised the brand from 2006 to 2007. In September 2020, GTN Capital Group LLC and More Than It, LLC merged, leading to their acquisition by Fastsigns Holdings, Inc., which was later renamed Propelled Brands Holdings, Inc. on December 28, 2021. This makes NerdsToGo an indirect subsidiary of Propelled Brands Holdings, Inc.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$84,057 - $129,858
Franchise Fee (Low)
$24,875
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,750
Minimum Net Worth
$300,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$2,880
Equipment Costs (High)
$8,235
Working Capital
$20,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC, the parent company of NerdsToGo, appears to be in strong financial health. In 2024, Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC reported a net income of $9,668,250, with total assets of over $564 million and cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.38 million. The auditors have issued an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements, indicating that they present fairly in all material respects. There are no disclosed going concern qualifications or significant financial difficulties. The company does hold some uninsured cash deposits, but management believes these funds are not at risk. Minor loss contingencies are reported but are not expected to materially affect the company's financial position.
Financing Details
NerdsToGo offers direct financing only for Conversion and Co-Brand Franchisees, not for new NerdsToGo Offices. For qualified Conversion or Co-Brand Franchisees, NerdsToGo may finance a portion of the initial franchise fee. Franchisees would make a $15,000 down payment, and NerdsToGo would finance the remaining $34,750 of the initial fee. This loan is repaid over 3 years (36 months) with a 0% interest rate, resulting in monthly payments of $965.28. The first payment is due 30 days after the business opens. A personal guarantee from the franchisee's principals is required for this financing. NerdsToGo does not guarantee any other notes, leases, or obligations, and does not offer other types of financing such as for equipment or working capital.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
31
Franchised Units
31
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
750
Franchising Since
2017
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
NerdsToGo reports one significant legal case. In June 2020, a shareholders' derivative lawsuit was filed in Delaware against Floor & Decor and certain officers and directors, including John Roth and Brad Brutocao, who are involved with NerdsToGo. The lawsuit alleged breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. A motion to dismiss was denied in December 2023. The parties settled the dispute amicably on September 19, 2024, with all codefendants agreeing to pay a total settlement of $8,000,000. John Roth and Brad Brutocao denied any wrongdoing.
Bankruptcy History
NerdsToGo's General Counsel, Jennifer Rote, was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for TGI Friday's Inc. until September 2024. In November 2024, TGI Friday's Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This case is currently pending. NerdsToGo itself has no direct bankruptcy history.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their NerdsToGo franchise, franchisees must provide advance notice to NerdsToGo, be in full compliance with all contractual obligations to NerdsToGo and third parties, and renovate their business to meet NerdsToGo's then-current standards. They must also sign the current version of the franchise agreement and all related documents, including a personal guaranty, and execute a general release of claims, unless prohibited by law.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
NerdsToGo provides extensive support both before and after a franchise opens. Before opening, NerdsToGo assists with site selection, provides design plans, recommends minimum staffing levels and hiring best practices, and offers a comprehensive initial training program. Franchisees also receive lists of specifications and approved suppliers for equipment, signs, and fixtures, access to an electronic operating manual, and advice on business plan review and market introduction. After opening, NerdsToGo offers ongoing advice via phone or email for business improvement and problem-solving, assistance with pricing, and recommended administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory control procedures. NerdsToGo also manages the Marketing Fund and maintains the brand's website, which includes the franchisee's business information. In-person support visits are available if requested, for an additional fee.
Initial Training Hours
151
Training Location
Virtual and in-person at corporate offices and business location in Carrollton, Texas
Ongoing Support
After opening, NerdsToGo franchisees receive ongoing advice and consulting via telephone or electronic communication, and in-person support is available for an additional fee. NerdsToGo also assists with establishing product and service prices upon request and provides recommended administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, and inventory control procedures. NerdsToGo manages a Marketing Fund and maintains the brand's website. Franchisees are required to spend 5% of their gross sales monthly on local marketing and promotion, including digital advertising through a designated agency. NerdsToGo also requires participation in a six-month Lead Generation Program, at a cost of $2,650 per month, starting 30 days after initial training, to help identify and qualify potential clients. Franchisees may also participate in approved social media programs, with NerdsToGo as a co-administrator.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
NerdsToGo seeks franchisees who will either personally devote their full business time to the operation or appoint a pre-approved, locally residing Designated Manager to do so full-time. The Principal Executive, who must own at least 10% of the franchise, is primarily responsible for the business and must complete initial training and attend required meetings. Franchisees are expected to start with at least one full-time skilled "Nerd" technology expert and may be required to hire a full-time sales representative.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Staff Count
2
Territory Size Requirements
NerdsToGo territories are defined geographically to include a minimum of 5,000 businesses. The specific size may vary in densely or sparsely populated areas. For Conversion and Co-Brand franchises, the territory size is determined by NerdsToGo based on the existing business's sales and market size, and may include fewer than 5,000 businesses. Any re-determined or newly assigned territory must still contain at least 5,000 businesses.
Staffing Notes
NerdsToGo requires that the franchise business always be under the on-site supervision of either the owner or a designated manager who has completed training. If the owner operates under the standard model, they must personally devote full-time attention to management, operations, and sales/business development. Alternatively, in a non-owner managed model, the owner must appoint a pre-approved Designated Manager who resides locally and dedicates full-time attention to the business's day-to-day operations. NerdsToGo franchisees must start with at least one full-time skilled "Nerd" technology expert, and may be required to hire an additional full-time sales representative at NerdsToGo's discretion.